Almost everyone is familiar with Microsoft or Mac operating systems, but did you know those two are not your only choices when it comes to computer operating systems? This post will help you gain insight into one very common question, “What is Linux?”

What Is Linux?

First introduced in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, Linux is an open-source operating system. A Linux operating

system performs like other operating systems; working to manage all of the hardware related to your computer, whether a desktop or laptop model. Linux is what manages the communication between the software and hardware components to make your computer usable. Without an operating system, such as Linux, your computer would not have functional capabilities.

But Linux does not only run personal computers. While a relatively unknown and hardly used operating system by the majority of the public, Linux runs almost the entirety of the internet, supercomputers, smartphones, refrigerators, Roku® devices, and stock exchanges such as the NYSE.

Linux OS

The Linux operating system is comprised of multiple pieces:

The Bootloader: manages the process in which your computers boots up.

The kernel: system core; manages CPU, peripheral devices, and memory

Daemons: background devices (usually sound, printing, scheduling, etc.) that launch while booting up or after logging into the desktop

The Shell: a process that allows you to control the computer through commands typed into a text interface

Graphical Server: displays the graphics of your computer

Desktop Environment: the user interface, there are many different varieties available

Applications: high-quality software that is installed for a variety of purposes (i.e. a word processing software)

What Is Linux Distros?

If you are slightly familiar with Linux, you may have heard people talking about something called Linux Distros. Linux distros, or distributions, are different versions of the Linux operating system. The different Linux distributions are favored by users at different skill levels and needs.

Here is a list of the best Linux Distros for different needs according to Linux.com

Best distro for sysadmins : Parrot Linux

Best lightweight distribution: LXLE

Best desktop distribution: Elementary OS

Best distribution for those with something to prove: Gentoo

Best Linux for IoT: Snappy Ubuntu Core

Best non-enterprise server distribution: CentOS

Best enterprise server distribution: RHEL

“What is Linux?” YouTube Video

Interested in Learning Linux?

Linux, while not the hardest thing you can learn, isn’t the easiest either and depending on why you want to learn Linux you have a variety of different things to work on it your Linux journey. Start somewhere small at first, perhaps by reading The Linux Bible on your own. Then maybe find a few Linux projects to work on to build up your skills. After you feel comfortable working in Linux there’s no better way to showcase your skills by earning a Linux certification, such as CompTIA’s Linux+.